Anthony G. Nestler

Tony was elected President of the Roman Cultural Society of Central Illinois in January 2024.  He is President & CEO of Hickory Point Bank & Trust, a community bank headquartered in Decatur, IL. Tony is a graduate of Northwestern University, Evanston, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He is a 2010 graduate of the Stonier Graduate School of Banking. Tony serves as a Chair of the Illinois Bankers Association and director of the Community Foundation of Macon County.

John D’Amaro

John D’Amaro is the CFO with ILMO Products Company, headquartered in Jacksonville, Illinois. John has been with ILMO since 2011. Prior to working for ILMO he served as the CFO for the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana from 2009 through 2011. John spent the first five years of his career working on Wall Street and then the next twenty-five plus years working in the Pharmaceutical Distribution Industry. John has a BS in Accounting and a Masters in Finance from Pace University. John has served on several Boards locally and nationally for both Non-Profit and For-Profit companies. John and his family relocated to Springfield, Illinois from New York in 2000. John’s dads family comes from Naples and on his mothers side Calabria.

Mark Giordano

Mark was elected to the Board of Directors in December of 2024. He grew up in Springfield and attended public schools and received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Illinois Wesleyan University. He founded a small construction company in Chicago specializing in residential and commercial renovations in 1995. He returned to Springfield in 2021 and is active in Big Brother’s Big Sister’s of Central Illinois and plays golf. His grandfather, Carl Giordano, was a past president of RCS. Mark’s family has roots in Sicily and Calaggio.

Ronald E. Boerke

A member of the Roman Cultural Society since 2024, Ron brings a diverse background spanning business, sports marketing, real estate, hospitality, and loss prevention/security. He is the recipient of the prestigious Chairman’s Award from Bill Marriott of Marriott International, Inc., and currently serves in a Security and Operations role with a State agency.

Ron holds both a B.B.A. and an M.A. from Adelphi University, as well as a Sports & Events Marketing certificate from New York University.

Originally from New York, Ron and his wife chose to make Springfield their home, fulfilling a promise he made to his father-in-law—bringing his daughter back home. Along with his professional accomplishments, Ron values community, tradition, and family, which continue to guide his life and work.

Doug Antonacci

Doug joined the Roman Cultural Society in 2024 and was elected to the board of Directors in January 2026. Doug grew up in Chatham and earned his Business Degree from the University of Illinois – Springfield. He currently works in the Sangamon County Recorder’s Office, and prior to that he owned and Operated Daddy O’s Music Shack in Springfield for 20 years. Doug’s family has roots in Calascio – located in the Abruzzo region of Italy.

Michael J. Coffey, Jr.

Mike was elected Vice President of the Roman Cultural Society in January 2024.  Representative Coffey serves the constituents of Illinois’ 95^th Legislative District in the Illinois House of Representatives.  His family business, Saputo’s Restaurant, was founded in 1948.  Mike opened a second restaurant, Papa Frank’s on Springfield’s west side in 2015, which he operates.  Mike is a graduate of the University of Illinois with a degree in Political Science.  He is active in numerous community ventures.  Mike is the grandson of founding member Frank Saputo.

Peter Sgro

Pete joined the Roman Cultural Society in 2023 and was elected to the board of directors in January 2024.  A Springfield native, Pete operates a successful real estate business with an emphasis on residential and commercial properties.  He is also an experienced builder, having constructed numerous houses and duplexes in the area.  Pete is a graduate of Chaminade College Preparatory School in St. Louis, MO.  Pete is an automobile enthusiast and enjoys other outdoor activities.  He is a active with Blessed Sacrament Parish.

Steve Madonia

Steve was elected to the board of directors of the Roman Cultural Society in 2024.  Steve is a Business Development Specialist with IBM, covering a wide geographic territory.  Prior to that, he was with Levi, Ray, and Shoup, Inc. for many years.  Steve is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University.  An avid golfer, Steve serves as the Chairman of the Society’s 2024 Italian Open Golf Committee.  Steve is involved with numerous civic organizations, including past president of Illini Country Club.

Mike Palazzolo

Mike joined the Roman Cultural Society in 1982 and served as president in 1997.  He was elected to the board in 2024 to assist in the Society’s revitalization efforts. Mike retired from AT&T in 2000 as an Area Fleet Manager with responsibilities for Central and Southern Illinois.  Mike also retired from the City of Springfield as Fleet Manager in 2016.

Vince Salvo

Vince was elected to the board of directors of the Roman Cultural Society in 2024 as part of its revitalization efforts.  He joined the Society in 1995 and has held various leadership positions, including President in 2003.  Vince retired from the State of Illinois after many years and held positions of increased authority, including IT Telecomm Procurement Specialist.  Vince holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Illinois State University and earned numerous professional certifications.  He is active with Reisch Charities, a not-for-profit corporation inspired to bring back Reisch Gold Top Beer, an original Springfield beer founded in 1849.